Vinda’s death is end of a literary era, says CM

Marathi litterateur and Jnanpith Award winner Govind Vinayak Karandikar passed away on Sunday after a brief illness. He was 92.

Karandikar, popularly known as ‘Vinda’, died at Guru Nanak Hospital in Bandra (East).

He is survived by two sons and a daughter. His wife died last year.

Karandikar’s body will be kept at his residence, Sahitya Sahwas, at Bandra (East) and the his last rites will be performed on Monday.

“As per his will, his body will be donated to Sir J.J. Hospital,” family sources said.

Governor K. Sankaranarayanan said Karandikar was “the brightest star in the literary world”.

“He was a genius who earned a large fan-following with his vast and diverse writings and poems. He had the remarkable ability to establish a rapport with the young and old generations alike,” said Sankaranarayanan.

Chief Minister Ashok Chavan said: “With his demise, it is the end of an era in Marathi literary field.” Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said that he was a literary personality with a social touch.

Sena chief Bal Thackeray condoled his death, saying that it was an irreparable loss to the Marathi literature.

“He was not just an eminent poet but also had a keen interest in all creative and performing arts. He was a connoisseur of good music. His other emphasis was on education, he urged all of us within the family to complete education,” said Neelam Gorhe, Sena spokesperson and Karandikar’s former daughter-in-law.